Videos

Scientists at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva have discovered a fundamental particle called the Higgs Boson. Scientific American editor George Musser explains why the Higgs is so important to science, and to our very existence.

You no longer have to rely on autofocus to help you take a photo. In fact, with a light-field camera-— you don’t have to focus at all. Scientific American editor Larry Greenemeier digs deep into the belly of these revolutionary cameras.

The Large Hadron Collider is the most expensive and complex scientific experiment ever built. This video shows how the contraption accelerates and slams together subatomic particles, and what comes out of the collision.

Scientists at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva have been looking for a mysterious particle called the Higgs Boson. Scientific American editor George Musser explains why the Higgs is so important to science, and to our very existence.

Cosmic rays are subatomic particles from deep space that are constantly bombarding the Earth's atmosphere. Scientific American editor Phil Yam explains how they might play a role in seeding bolts of lightning.

Ah, summertime. The warm weather, the icy beverages and the splitting headaches you get from drinking them too fast. In this episode, Scientific American editor Ferris Jabr explains how brain freeze occurs and how best to avoid it.

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has killed close to 30 million people since the epidemic emerged in the early 1980s. Scientific American editor Christine Gorman explains why HIV is so difficult for the body to fight and for doctors to treat.

Space Shuttle Enterprise takes a trip up the Hudson River to its resting place aboard the USS Intrepid.

Stunning footage of comb jellies captured at the New England Aquarium in Boston. You’ll never think ill of jellyfish again, after you spend 60 captivating seconds with these exquisite creatures.

The prisoner's dilemma is a classic illustration of why rational people don't always cooperate--even when it's in their best interest to do so. In this episode of Instant Egghead, Scientific American editor Michael Moyer explains how it works.

Hurricane season begins in May and lasts through November, producing dozens of powerful hurricanes. In this episode of Instant Egghead, Scientific American editor Mark Fischetti explains how these massive storms get their start.

If you answered "one of Santa's reindeer" and "a popular video game from the '80s"--this episode of Instant Egghead is for you. Scientific American editor John Matson explains how our favorite space rocks differ.